Twins reuniting with former outfielder could be a perfect trade deadline move

We've already made a pitch for Kevin Kiermaier or Kevin Pillar as a Byron Buxton security blanket, and I still believe the former is the best option. There is, however, another option as a former Minnesota Twins outfielder might be an equally perfect option.

Jake Cave might not be the sexiest name to Twins fans (although I could get behind a “Silver Fox” nickname with that beard), but he would quietly be a fantastic option to add to the Twins outfield.

He would be a definite upgrade over a struggling Manuel Margot, while bringing back a former Twin who has familiarity in the organization.

Jake Cave would be a great trade deadline fit for the Twins

For starters, Cave is cheap. He’s making just $1 million this year, and while he technically has one year of arbitration left next year, it won’t end up being an expensive deal and could be easily moved. For a Twins organization hampered by money issues, this is a deal they can afford.

More importantly, Cave has played well on both sides of the ball this year. In a limited role (although his play has earned him increasingly more at bats in Colorado), he has a .251 batting average with 3 home runs. While that’s not anything crazy, it’s not bad either, and Cave provides a professional at bat and veteran presence who knows how to handle a part time role. 

Cave’s defense has really stood out this season. He’s made plenty of clutch grabs with the Rockies and his defensive metrics grade out very nicely.

While he has played mostly in the corners this year, he has played 153 career games in center and would be a fine backup and insurance policy if Buxton were to go down or require more rest days towards the end of the season. 

Cave ultimately won’t cost a lot.

A guy like Yunior Severino could do the trick, but might be a bit of an overpay. Thad Levine could even get cute here if he wanted, and try to grab someone like Jalen Beeks in the deal if this is the price the Twins pay.

Another guy set to be a free agent next year, Beeks won’t up the price much and provides a much needed lefty bullpen arm. Despite his 4.74 ERA, he has shown flashes and even closed some games in Colorado. 

You want to really get intriguing with it? Go get Austin Gomber in the deal as well. Minnesota needs a lefty starter and James Paxton is now off the table after being swapped to the Red Sox. Gomber has pitched will this year on the moon that is Coors Field, so who’s to say he won’t improve in Target Field. 

If the Twins are going to improve, they’re going to have to do it within the margins. Picking up a guy like Jake Cave with the possibility of adding in another low cost Colorado arm can accomplish this without breaking Minnesota’s very tight bank and dipping in to their best prospects. 

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